Celebrate Spring with Onyx's Beach Bash!

Happy April,

As the weather continues to warm up, I hope that each of you are enjoying family, friends and travels. Onyx has been busy--the 2026 Summit and Florida Ski Council (FSC) Spain/Portugal trips were amazing. Locally, our members enjoyed a bicycle beach trail stroll. As the summer approaches make sure you stay connected with us on social media, our website and WhatsApp.

-Janine Brown, President

Onyx Beach Bash is Back!

Saturday, April 18, 2026

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Ft. Desoto Park - Shelter 13

3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde

It’s Beach Bash time again! Plan to spend the day with us as we enjoy cards, leisure games and our beautiful Florida sun while we unwind on Ft. Desoto Beach.

Bring your hats, sunscreen, swimsuit, chair, blanket, umbrella, and Chill with us.

At 2pm the Executive Board will share their recaps and updates. There is a kids playground at the park, and bike trails are close by so bring your bicycle, skateboard or roller skates.

Feel free to invite a guest(s) but bring a dish to share. If you are bringing a guest, PLEASE include them in your sign up so that we have good numbers.

The club is providing BEEF hamburgers, BEEF hotdogs, baked beans and drinks.

We have reserved Shelter #13 and only ask that you sign up via the link below so that we can plan for your arrival.

Directions: Follow your GPS directions to Ft. Desoto Park. At the end of the main road take a left, and then the first right. Join us at Shelter #13. Parking is $6 for the day.

CLICK here to sign Up for Beach Bash or scan the QR code below with your cellphone

Onyx Bicycle Meet-up

Nine Onyx bicyclers met at Ft. Desoto to enjoy a ride on the paved route along beautiful Ft. Desoto Beach. eBikes were an option, but these die hearts preferred pedal power!

The day was beautiful, the weather was amazing and the exercise was exhilarating and fun. The initial ride was 5 miles, but our “peddle masters” extended their trek out to 8 miles!

Thank you, Lisa Mrotek for leading this local fun event.

2026 Summit is in the Books!

Our group of 22 of Onyx’s finest ventured to Keystone CO to connect at the mecca of snow sports events, NBS Summit 2026.

Though the numbers were low, the energy was high. We enjoyed a beautiful parade of all clubs with a heartfelt opening ceremony which paid homage to the founders, and the future was realized as the first Olympians from NBS were honored. The opening ceremony

was followed by a one of a kind torch lighting parade down the mountain after sunset to welcome all of NBS to Keystone. The parties were nonstop as clubs and NBS entertained with socials, fashion, fitness and fun all week long.

Keystone was the place to live beyond your limits learning and growing together while having extreme fun on the snow.

Skiing, boarding, sledding, mobiles, shopping or sipping. WE did it all and we plan do it again next year in Canada (2027)!

-Rebecca Thornton, Summit 2026 Trip Leader/Ron Gross Co-Chair

Spain/Portugal Trip with FSC

Thirteen Onyx members joined 155 Florida Ski Council members across 9 clubs for an extraordinary adventure in Baquiera Beret Spain.

The mountain gave our skiers and lone snow boarder expansive trails that novice and advanced skiers enjoyed. Those who chose not to ski still put on ski clothes and took the gondola to the mid station for a great lunch, photo op and sun worshipping. After four days of wine, eating, touring and skiing, we couldn't take it anymore so we had more wine. On the final night, the FSC turned Baquiera out with what was said to be the best party on the mountain. The dance floor was never empty and once we figured out we can accumulate the free drink coupons for additional of bottles of wine, Congo dancing went to another level. The 4-hour bus ride back to Barcelona the next day gave us a much needed rest. Barcelona did not disappoint! We were so excited about the city, and enjoyed the architecture, the paella.....

And then 4 members who decided to take the Portugal extension made us all jealous. The pictures were breathtakingly beautiful. All in all, it was a wonderful trip. And now we look forward to the 2027 FCS ski trip to Japan!!!!!

-Gail Brown, FSC Spain/Portugal 2026 Trip Leader

Other Happenings

National Coalition of 100 Black Women Event

If you purchase a ticket, please put the name Dana Stannard in the remarks.

NBS Summerfest 2026

Casa De Campo

La Romana-Dominican Republic

July 23-28, 2026

https://nbssummit.regfox.com/nbs-summerfest-2026

Onyx Ski & Sports Club of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Tampa Bay's Entertainment Alternative

PO Box 76201, Tampa, FL 33675-1201